Institut für ökologische Wirtschaftsforschung

The Institut für ökologische Wirtschaftsforschung (IÖW) is a leading scientific institute in the field of practice-oriented sustainability research. Founded in 1985 in Berlin, the IÖW works independently and non-profit, with the goal of developing strategies and approaches for sustainable economic practices.

The IÖW focuses on interdisciplinary research in various key areas, including:

• Sustainable Corporate Management: Development of strategies for environmentally friendly and socially responsible economic practices.
• Environmental Policy and Governance: Analysis and evaluation of political measures and participation processes.
• Climate and Energy: Research on climate-friendly energy systems and value creation through renewable energies.
• Products and Consumption: Investigations into sustainable consumption and safe, useful products.
• Water and Land Management: Innovative approaches for sustainable resource use.
• Innovation and Technologies: Evaluation and development of new technologies for a sustainable future.
• Evaluation and Assessment: Application of regional economic models and empirical social research methods such as representative surveys and case studies[1][2][3].

The main mission of the IÖW is to promote an economy that enables a good life and preserves natural foundations. The institute relies on a science that considers the "and," meaning it integrates social, ecological, and economic aspects into its research. Scientists from various disciplines work together to identify societal challenges and develop solutions. Independence, curiosity, expertise, and conviction are central values of the IÖW[2][3].

The IÖW is engaged in numerous sustainability initiatives:

• Energy Transition: The institute collects and analyzes value creation and employment through renewable energies and develops strategies for reliable and climate-friendly energy systems.
• Post-Growth: The IÖW operates the blog postwachstum.de to discuss the development opportunities of a society without growth pressure.
• International Cooperation: The institute collaborates in the Ecological Research Network (Ecornet) and with international partners such as the European Union to promote sustainable solutions.
• Support for Young Researchers: The IÖW supports young scientists through research projects and qualification programs.
• Sustainable Practice: The institute strives to act sustainably itself and focuses on the continuous improvement of its own sustainability performance[1][2][3].

Thus, the IÖW is a central actor in the field of sustainability research, making important contributions to shaping a sustainable future through its interdisciplinary research, independent and non-profit work, and close cooperation with national and international partners.

• 1 - https://www.ecornet.eu/mitgliedsinstitute/ioew
• 2 - https://www.ioew.de/das-ioew
• 3 - https://www.ioew.de
• 4 - https://www.cc-landstrad.de/verbundprojekt/projektteam/ioew
• 5 - https://www.xing.com/pages/institutfurokologischewirtschaftsforschung/about_us